Digital signage can play a big part in improving the passenger experience on cruise ships. Inspire passengers to engage in activities available on the ship, and also inform them about upcoming destinations. As you’ll see, digital signage can also help events run more smoothly by keeping passengers more organized and prepared for daily activities. That’s precisely where we’ll start!
Daily activity updates and countdowns
Use digital signage to display real-time schedules of upcoming daily activities. This can include poolside events or live shows. Daily activity information is most important for activities that are time-sensitive. For example, dedicate a banner on the bottom of all of your displays to remind passengers continuously about important events such as arrival or departure times to key destinations, to ensure everyone stays well organized.
Furthermore, set up countdown timers for major events. It’s a great way to enhance the passenger experience by helping them keep track of time, ensure they don’t miss out on key moments, and build up anticipation.
Interactive Ship Maps
Cruise ships with digital signage can help passengers easily navigate the ship by using touchscreens. Of course, exploration is fun, but sometimes you want to get to your destination quickly. Particularly on larger ships, it can get confusing to find your way. Allow users to pull up the map on demand, or dedicate displays at key locations for this purpose. These displays can show their current location and provide step-by-step directions to restaurants, spas, or any other location of importance.
Dining information
Promote onboard dining options with digital menus. Highlight daily specials, dietary options, and nutritional information. You may also include additional restaurant-related info, such as the dress code for themed gatherings. Consider including real-time table availability. This can be a great way to control foot traffic throughout the day.
This includes cafes, restaurants, even nightclubs on the ship. Keeping everyone informed on availability of food, drink, and seating, is a great way to enhance the passenger experience overall. If this information is available online, promote it via QR-codes, allowing the user to explore the information in more detail while in their cabin or by the pool.
Weather Information
Offer live updates on the weather and sea conditions, as well as information on upcoming destinations. This can include local time, attractions, excursions, and helpful tips for passengers to ensure they plan their time appropriately. This information can be displayed days in advance, especially if there is bad weather coming up, allowing everyone to prepare and decide how to adapt to a change of plans. After all, the best way to enhance the passenger experience is to let them know about any bumps on the road!
Live camera feeds
This is a great way to let passengers coordinate their movements around the ship in the best way possible. They’ll be able to see if a particular deck or location is crowded, allowing them to spread out and explore other locations. This feature can be particularly valuable as the ship pulls into a new harbor, or if it’s passing by impressive sights.
Display destination information
Promote upcoming shore excursions as the ship approaches each destination. Show available tours, especially those that can and should be booked in advance. You could also include a brief video highlighting the most eye-catching sights and points of interest. Even though most passengers plan this out beforehand, it can still be worth including. Not everyone plans things in-depth, and even if they do, it adds a degree of excitement and anticipation!
Showcase available services
From entertainment and restaurants, to gym, spas, and wellness experiences, show off a list of everything available for passengers! You can do it as simply as listing them via a predesigned app, showcasing descriptions and engaging images. You may even take it a step further and display videos featuring the spa, pool, or any other service available. This can even include special events users can sign up for, parties, as well as live events.
Check out this article on creating demo content via digital signage! It will give you ideas on how to present the service or event in question and enhance the passenger experience as a whole.
Cruise Highlights Recap
Cruise ships can also play around with digital signage and build content on the way! As the journey draws to a close, feature a video or photo montage of events and activities. You can build these yourself or invite passengers to tag your business on social media and share their experiences. Deploy the content in a slideshow, either through a simple image rotation, or showcase of social media posts. It’s a fun way for passengers to relive the highlights of their trip. It’s also a lovely way to wrap up the journey and inspire everyone to board again.
Scheduling content is a standard component of every digital signage software, and OnSign TV is no exception. Explore all available apps and features for free and start building content for your next trip!
Cover image by Jamie Morrison.
